Lesson 119

1. Lesson 119 The Coming of the Savior 3 Nephi 8-10

2. Looking for Signs He who is righteous may know of the signs of heaven. Those who were righteous began to look for the signs told of by Samuel Those who did not believe had doubts “But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified andcleansed from all sin.” D&C 50:28 What are the signs of today for the Savior’s Second Coming? Many prophecies, such as the Restoration of the gospel, the coming of the prophet Elijah, and the gospel being preached throughout the world, have been fulfilled or are being fulfilled. 3 Nephi 8:1-4

3. The Times 3 Nephi 8:1-10 Page 1 1/4/0034 Prophecy of Samuel, the Lamanite To Come True The Great Storm lasting 3 hours The Man on the Wall 39 years ago, Samuel, who was a Lamanite and the first Lamanite prophet to speak on repentance, stood on the wall in Zarahemla and preached to the Nephites and the Lamanites. His speech included a prophecy of a day without a night. He also prophesied of days of terrible destruction. 33 years ago his first prophesy had come true. Today Samuel’s prophecy has also come true. Destruction Leaves Many Dead Terrible tempest crossed over the land today. Lasting three hours. Reports of thunders, lightnings, earthquakes, and whirlwinds have destroyed much of the land southward and more so in the north. Many people of both the Nephite and Lamanite nations have died. Many people have gone missing. Major Cities Destroyed Zarahemla, the capital, has caught on fire. The City of Moroni, reporters say, have sunk into the depths of the sea and there are no survivors. The City of Moronihah has had its earth carried up and has risen into a mountain. There have been reports throughout the land that the land has changed its formation, many cities have sunken and buildings have fallen and the people have been ‘slain’. There have been cases of some individuals who were carried away in the whirlwind. There has been no sign of the people carried away.

4. Page 2 Across the World The Day in Which the Light Did Shine The Voice From Above The crucifixion of Jesus occurred during the 1st century AD. Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God as well as the Messiah, was arrested, tried, and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged, and finally crucified. Once at Golgotha, Jesus was offered wine mixed with gall to drink. Matthew's and Mark's Gospels record that he refused this. He was then crucified and hung between two convicted thieves. According to Mark's Gospel, he endured the torment of crucifixion for some six hours from the third hour, at approximately 9 am, until his death at the ninth hour, corresponding to about 3 pm.[The soldiers affixed a sign above his head stating "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" in three languages, divided his garments and cast lots for his seamless robe. The Roman soldiers did not break Jesus' legs, as they did to the other two men crucified (breaking the legs hastened the crucifixion process), as Jesus was dead already. Each gospel has its own account of Jesus' last words, seven statements altogether. In the Synoptic Gospels, various supernatural events accompany the crucifixion, including darkness, an earthquake, and (in Matthew) the resurrection of saints. Following Jesus' death, his body was removed from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea and buried in a rock-hewn tomb, with Nicodemus assisting. According to the Gospels, Jesus then rose from the dead two days later ("the third day"). --Wikipedia According to author Moroni, of the Book of Mormon, after Christ ascended from the earth, leaving his apostles behind, he visited the Lamanites and the Nephites, descendant of the Israelite Nation. Jesus, son of Mary, was born 34 years ago. When there was no darkness for a night. Many prophets of the Old Testament prophesied of His birth and many prophets testified of His upcoming birth in the Book of Mormon, including Lehi, Nephi, King Benjamin, Samuel, the Lamanite, and many more. “Wo, wo, wo” is heard from a voice. The voice is asking the people to repent. The voice announces He has destroyed Zarahemla by fire, caused the city of Moroni to be sunk in the sea, and the death of those that lived there, the city of Moronihah He has covered with earth, and other cities that have been destroyed, including: Gilgal Onihah Mocum Jerusalem Gadiandi Gadiomnah Jacob Gimgimno Jacobugath Laman Josh Gad and Kishkumen. The Voice announces that He is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the creator of all things on earth and heaven. Darkness Upon the Face of the Land According to the Book of Mormon author, darkness covered the whole earth. For three days Jesus hung on the cross. This was one of the signs spoken of by Samuel, the Lamanite. Torches, candles, or fire could be kindled, nor stars in the sky would shine. The people who survived the devastation mourned for their salvation and their loss in darkness. Those Who Survived “O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous that they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” These are the words of the Lord, Jesus Christ 3 Nephi 9:13

5. The Cities Destroyed 3 Nephi 8:5 3 Nephi 9:1-12

6. I Am “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM that sent me unto you.” (Exodus 3:13-14) Nephi: “And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.” 1 Nephi 11:18 “And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son— The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—” Mosiah 15:2-3 To Know…To Do…To Be “If I am to become Christlike, I must be lifted to fully accept Christ’s name, “I Am.” 3 Nephi 9:15

7. I Created the Heavens and the Earth And all things that in them are… “Under the direction of his Father, Jesus Christ created this earth. No doubt others helped him, but it was Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who, under the direction of his Father, came down and organized matter and made this planet, so that it might be inhabited by the children of God.” Joseph Fielding Smith 3 Nephi 9:15

8. The Law of Moses Fulfilled—His divine Role He came unto my own Those who receive Him Those who believe in Him He is the light and life of the world He is Alpha and Omega There is to be no more shedding of blood for sacrifices He will accept the broken hearted and contrite spirit for the sins of all He comes to bring redemption to the world He will accept those who become “as a little child unto repentance” His own received me not He has given to men to become the sons of God Redemption comes through Him He is the source of truth The beginning and the end— eternal He has shed his blood for all mankind There will be a baptism of fire (The Holy Spirit) To save the world from sin Being innocent and humble…To be teachable 3 Nephi 9:16-22

9. Insert Video: Christ Brings Light Where There Is Darkness (0:37)

10. Silence For the space of many hours “…so great was the astonishment of the people that they did cease lamenting and howling for the loss of their kindred which had been slain; therefore there was silence in all the land for the space of many hours.” 3 days did pass away 3 Nephi 10:1-2,9

11. Jesus Reminds Them and Us How oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and nourished you? “Jesus’ reminder that he had gathered and sheltered them in the past (vs. 4) as well as of his many efforts to gather them that had been rebuffed is not unique to the Nephites and Lamanite. He used similar language in Jerusalem as he lamented the impending destruction of the Jews. In our day he has again used this phrase as a beckoning call to repentance and as a warning of the consequences of rejecting his invitation.” JFM and RLM He will continue to seek to gather us home…through our faith, repentance, submission to gospel ordinances, and continually obedience 3 Nephi 10:5-6

12. Darkness did Cease All the noises and trembling did cease Their mourning was turned to joy Their lamentations into praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord, Jesus Christ, their Redeemer They knew the scriptures had been fulfilled Isaiah declares about out future: “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth;: for the lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day (our day), Lo, this is our god; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:8-9 See also: Revelation 7:14-17 3 Nephi 10:9-11

13. Written in the Lamb’s Book They had received the prophets Their names are added to the Book of Life “In our day, the Lord declared that the righteous—…are those who hear and heed the Lord’s chosen servants “For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.” D&C 84:36-38 3 Nephi 10:12-19

14. The council to the people Read the scriptures Those who readeth, let him understand Search them…understand the prophecies that have taken place Remember the testimony of Zeno, Zenock, Jacob (the seed of Joseph) written on the brass plates Remember those who were slain because they had testified of Christ What are we counseled to do today concerning the gospel? 3 Nephi 10:14-

15. Mormon’s Commentary “And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them— Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them; and an account of his ministry shall be given hereafter. Therefore for this time I make an end of my sayings.” 3 Nephi 10:18-19

16. What Have We Learned? Who is narrating this account? Who is speaking? Who is receiving the message? What is happening in this account? What has happened before this event? What is the message of this story? What did the writer intend for us to learn from this story? (Doctrine or Principle)

17. Sources: Suggested Hymn 134 I Believe in Christ Signs of the Times Handouts—Lesley Meachum and Becky Davies Poway Institute (Ridges) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifixion_of_Jesus Joseph Fielding Smith Doctrines of Salvation 1:74 Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon Vol. 4 pg 47

18. Signs of the Times Spirit to be poured out on all flesh. (Joel 2:28-32) • Discovery and use of printing. • Protestant Reformation and age of Renaissance. • Discovery and colonization of America (Ne. 13:1-19 • Establishment of the American nation. (3 Ne. 21:4 and 2 Ne. 10:9-19) • Translation and printing of Bible. • Establishment of the U. S. Constitution (D&C 98:4-10;134) (D&C 101:76,80) • Latter Day revelation. • Coming forth of the Book of Mormon (Isaiah, 29; Ezek. 37) • Opposition to the Book of Mormon. • Restoration of keys and priesthood (D&C 13:27; 128) • Restoration of the gospel. (Rev. 14:6-8) (Isaiah, 2; 4; 5; 10; 11; 13) • Messenger to precede Second Coming. (Mal. 3: 1-6) (D & C 45:9) • Church and kingdom set up again. (Dan. 2:31-45) (D&C 20) • Growth of the church. (Dan. 2:44) (D&C65) • Gathering of Israel. (Acts 1: 6-11) (D&C 110:11) • Ten tribes to return. (D&C 133:26-34) • Times of Gentiles being fulfilled. (1 Ne. 13:42) (Luke 21 :24) • Return of Judah to Jerusalem. (D&C 133:13) • Jews to begin to believe in Christ. (D&C 45: 51-52) (Zech. 12: 8-14) • Building of latter-day temples. (Isa, 2: 1-5) (Ezekiel 37) • lord to come suddenly to temple (Mal. 3:1) (D&C 110: 1-10) • Spirit of Elijah and genealogical research. • Persecution of the Saints. • Persecution of the Jews (Luke 21:20-24) • True gospel to be preached in all the world (D&C 113:37) • Worldly knowledge to increase (2 Tim. 3: 1-7) • Scientific and inventive progress. (Rev. 9: 5-10) • Disease, plague, pestilence to sweep earth(Luke 21:26) • Elements in commotion. (Joseph Smith 1 :29) • Disasters and calamities toabound. (D&C 61: 4-5) • Strikes, anarchy, violence, to increase. (D&C 45:26) • Latter-day wickedness (Joseph Smith 1 :30) (Luke 23:29) • Spirit ceasing to strive with wicked. (D&C 63:32) • Peace taken from the earth (to resume at Second Coming). • Angels now reaping the earth. (D&C 38:12) • Wars and rumors of wars. (D&C 63:33 and 97:22-24) • Famines, depressions and economic turmoil. • Apostate darkness covers earth. (2 Tim. 3: 1 -5) • Many false churches in latter days. (Rev. 13:13~14) • Refusal of men to believe signs of time (Matt. 16: 1-4) • Signs on Earth and in heavens. (D&C 45:39-42). • Lamanites to blossom as the rose. (D&C 49: 24-25) • Gathering at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. (2 Thess. 1 :8) (Dan 10) (D&C 115) • Final great war to attend Second Coming, (Zech 12; 13; 14) (Ezek. 38; 39) • Sorrow and fear precede and accompany the Second Coming. (D&C 29:15) • Fall of the great and abominable church. (D&.C 88:94) • Special mission in Jerusalem of two latter-day prophets. (D&C 77:15) • Wicked to be burned as stubble. (D&C 29: 9 & 10) • Final restitution of all things to be completed (new earth, heaven) (D&C 100:23-31) • Christ to reign personally upon the earth. (Rev. 11) (D&C 29:11)

19. State of Fulfillment Sign Notes